APHIS Publishes Final Rule to Allow Import of Chinese Wooden Handicrafts

APHIS Publishes Final Rule to Allow Import of Chinese Wooden Handicrafts

On March 1, 2012 APHIS published the Final Rule allowing the Importation of Wooden Handicrafts from China. 

 (see Notice: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=APHIS-2007-0117-0022)

This regulation replaces the ban on imports of Handicrafts containing bark, which had been in place since April 2005. 

The new rule offers heat treatment and fumigation options for Chinese handicrafts to make entry into the United States.  Participants will enroll in a treatment program and attach a company specific identification to each box of goods, for traceability of store products.  The regulation also expands the definition of regulated handicrafts from "unmanufactured products" to "products with unmanufactured parts".  Import permits will be available for these products starting April 30, 2012.

To obtain a Permit, please contact the Permit Unit at 1-866-794-2827.  http://www.aphis.usda.gov/permits/index.shtml

For more information, please contact USDA/APHIS/PPQ Customer Support at (301) 851-2046.